Film guide

These movies are playing in Orange County. Unless noted, movies are in wide release.

NEW THIS WEEK

“The Impossible” – PG-13 – (for intense, realistic disaster sequences, including disturbing injury images, and brief nudity) Heavy-handed drama about the desperate attempts of a couple and their three children to reunite after being separated by the tsunami that struck Thailand in 2004. (The Associated Press) 1 hour, 47 minutes. Grade:
C. Review,
Page 4

“Texas Chainsaw 3D” – R – (for strong grisly violence and language throughout) A young woman travels to Texas to collect an inheritance; little does she know that an encounter with a chainsaw-wielding killer is part of the reward. (
imdb.com) 1 hour, 32 minutes.

“Argo” – R – (for language and some violent images) Thriller about the covert operation to rescue six Americans who sought refuge in the Canadian Embassy when Iranian militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979. (The Associated Press) 2 hours. Grade: A

“Barbara” – PG-13 – (for some sexual material, thematic elements, smoking); (Edwards Westpark 8) Smart and engrossing drama set in 1980 about a talented young doctor who plans to escape from East Germany. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram) In German with subtitles. 1 hour, 45 minutes. Grade: A-

“Chasing Mavericks” – PG – (for thematic elements and some perilous action); (Regency Charter Centre Cinemas) An entertaining drama about a young boy who forges a unique friendship with the man he enlists to train him to surf some of the biggest waves on earth. (McClatchy-Tribune) 1 hour, 54 minutes. Grade: C+

“Les Misérables” – PG-13 – (for suggestive and sexual material, violence and thematic elements) An ambitious if flawed film adaptation of the musical drama about a ruthless policeman's relentless pursuit of an ex-prisoner during the Paris Uprising of 1832. (The Associated Press) 2 hours, 38 minutes. Grade: B-

“Life of Pi” – PG – (for emotional thematic content throughout, some scary action scenes and peril) A spectacular adventure drama about the son of a zookeeper who survives a shipwreck by making his way aboard a lifeboat with a zebra, an orangutan, a hyena and a Bengal tiger. (Fort Worth Star–Telegram) 2 hours, 7 minutes. Grade: A

“Lincoln” – PG-13 – (for an intense scene of war violence, some images of carnage and brief strong language) A mesmerizing, brilliantly acted drama about Abraham Lincoln's final months in office, when he worked to end the Civil War, unite the country and abolish slavery. (San Francisco Chronicle) 2 hours, 30 minutes. Grade: A

“Monsters, Inc. 3D” – G – Disney-Pixar's beloved computer-animated children's film, now in 3D, works as well today as it did in 2001, and is definitely worth another look. (McClatchy-Tribune) 1 hour, 32 minutes. Grade: A-

“Not Fade Away” – R – (for pervasive language, some drug use and sexual content) Clichéd drama about a young man from suburban New Jersey circa 1964 who forms a rock band with two friends, hoping for fame. (McClatchy-Tribune) 1 hour, 48 minutes. Grade: C-

“Parental Guidance” – PG – (for some rude humor) This harmlessly mediocre comedy about an old-school grandfather who meets his match when he and his wife agree to baby-sit their three grandchildren holds few surprises. (San Francisco Chronicle) 1 hour, 40 minutes. Grade: C

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” – PG-13 – (for mature thematic material, drug and alcohol use, sexual content including references and a fight – all involving teens); (Woodbridge Movies 5) Thoughtful coming-of-age drama features moments of uncomfortable honesty and dreamlike wonder as it follows three friends through all the rituals of a high school year. (The Associated Press) 1 hour, 43 minutes. Grade: B

“Promised Land” – R – (for language) Engaging if preachy drama about a corporate salesman for a fracking company whose pitch to buy land in an economically depressed rural town is challenged by local residents. (McClatchy-Tribune) 1 hour, 46 minutes. Grade: C+

“Rise of the Guardians” – PG – (for thematic elements and some mildly scary action) Disappointing animated family adventure about a group of storybook heroes who join forces against an evil spirit. (McClatchy-Tribune) 1 hour, 37 minutes. Grade: D

“Rust and Bone” – R – (for strong sexual content, brief graphic nudity, some violence and language); (Edwards University Town Center 6) Compelling drama about the bond between a single father who aspires to be a professional fighter and a whale trainer who suffers a disabling accident. (The Associated Press) In French and English with subtitles. 2 hours. Grade: B

“Silver Linings Playbook” – R – (for language and some sexual content/nudity) A delightful comedy about a man who is determined to rebuild his life and reconcile with his wife after spending time in a mental institution. (McClatchy-Tribune) 1 hour, 55 minutes. Grade: A

“Taken 2” – PG-13 – (for intense sequences of violence, some sensuality); (Picture Show at MainPlace, Regency Charter Centre Cinemas, Woodbridge Movies 5) Lethargic action thriller about a retired CIA agent who must free himself and his wife when they are taken hostage by the father of a kidnapper he killed while rescuing his daughter two years earlier. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram) 1 hour, 31 minutes. Grade: C-

“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2” – PG-13 – (for sequences of violence including disturbing images, some sensuality and partial nudity); (AMC Fullerton 20, Century Promenade 25, Regal Garden Grove 16) Fantasy drama about Bella and Edward's efforts to protect their child from the Volturi is the most thrilling and engaging film of the series. (The Associated Press) 1 hour, 55 minutes. Grade: B

“Wreck-It Ralph” – PG – (for some rude humor and mild action/violence) Delightful animated family comedy about a video game character who travels through the arcade trying to become a hero instead of always being the bad guy. (McClatchy-Tribune) 1 hour, 38 minutes, plus an eight-minute short. Grade: A-

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